Ariana's hometown felt like hell for the first time since she was born. The streets she had walked countless times, the little shops she had loved as a child, the familiar faces all of it now seemed suffocating. She couldn't even put together in her mind how she had planned a contract marriage with a billionaire for money, and without telling her boyfriend, Micky, the one she had loved for three good years. Everything felt unreal, like a cruel dream she couldn't wake up from.
But she had no choice. Her mother was dying, and her family was barely surviving. Ariana was a graduate struggling to find a job, and Micky was in the same predicament. She had never imagined her life turning out this way. She and Micky had always promised to stick together, no matter what. Yet, here she was, preparing to break his heart for the sake of her family. Their father had long been gone, her siblings were forced to stay home while their peers went to school, and the weight of helplessness pressed down on her chest.
Ariana sat on the edge of her bed, her fingers trembling as she stared at the signed contract lying before her. She had agreed to marry George, a tech company CEO, by next weekend. It was a contractual marriage: one year, separate bedrooms, no public displays of affection, and divorce at the end of the term. No children. Her mom and siblings would be provided for, bills paid, debts cleared. It was the only way.
George, however, was not marrying her out of love. He wanted her for himself alone, driven by jealousy and possessiveness. Ariana's lips pressed into a thin line as she whispered to herself, "I'll make sure I make the most out of this." She signed the papers one last time, picked up her bag, and stepped out of her room. She passed her siblings playing outside but didn't stop. Not a word. Not a glance. Her heart felt like lead.
.....
She walked slowly to Micky's home, her steps heavy, every second closer to him making her stomach twist in knots. As she approached his door, a neighbor waved.
"Hey, Anna! How are you today? It's been a while," the woman greeted warmly.
"I've been busy lately. Is Micky in?" Ariana asked, forcing a small smile.
"Yes, he's here. Nice to see you again," the neighbor said.
"You too," Ariana replied, her voice barely steady.
She rang the bell, her fingers trembling. When Micky opened the door, his face lit up, and he immediately rushed to hug her.
"Hey! I wasn't expecting you, but I'm glad to see you," he said, pulling her close. But she gently pushed him away. She wasn't ready.
"What? You've been acting strange lately, Anna. Can't even get a hug from my girl?" Micky's voice was soft, tinged with confusion.
"I'm not ready for this, Micky," she said quietly.
His brows knitted together. "It's been weeks. No calls, no texts. You don't answer my calls. I even went to your house, and your mom said you were out of town with George. Can you explain?"
A lump rose in her throat. "Look, Micky…"
"Sit down. We have a lot to discuss. What would you like to drink?" he asked, trying to steady his voice.
Ariana took a deep breath. "I'm getting married."
"What?!" Micky shouted, stepping back. His eyes searched hers, disbelief etched into every line of his face.
"I followed George to one of his official meetings. That's why I was out of town. George and I… we're getting married next weekend." Her words were quiet but firm.
Micky's face went pale. "Wait… this is a joke, right?"
"I'm not joking," Ariana replied, her voice cracking slightly.
"How long has this been going on?" he asked, his voice breaking. "Ariana… don't do this. Where did I go wrong? I… I don't mind going on my knees to apologize."
Her heart ached, but she held back tears. "It's done. There's nothing I can do about it, Micky."
His voice wavered. "Are you serious right now?"
She looked down, her fingers trembling. "Look, Micky… you and I both know I love you so much. But I have to do this for…"
"Oh, really?" Micky interrupted bitterly. "You have to do this after three good years, Ariana? I thought we promised each other forever." His voice cracked as tears welled up.
"I know," Ariana whispered, tears spilling freely now. "This might look like something we never planned, okay? But I have no choice. I'm doing this for my mom. I'm hurting too can't you see?" She grabbed his shirt, sobbing. "My mom is dying. I need this marriage to get the money for her treatment. I'm so sorry we're ending like this."
Micky's hands gripped hers. "We can't end like this, Ariana. Please… let's talk it out. I can help you get the money."
"How, Micky?" she asked softly, pulling her hands away. "You don't even have a job. Nothing at all."
"We'll figure it out together," he said desperately. "Trust me."
Her eyes closed, tears streaming down her face. "I love you, Micky… but I'm done. I'm getting married next weekend. There's no going back. Everything is already planned."
Micky's face fell. "Oh… really?" His voice was barely a whisper. "So this is it?" He stepped closer, anguish in every movement. "Do you even love him?"
Ariana swallowed hard. "Of course I do," she said softly, almost breaking. "I love him… for the money."
Micky's voice was barely audible. "Seriously?"
She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay strong. "You need to move on, Micky. I'm getting married in a few days. If my spouse finds out I'm here, he'll tear me apart." She paused at the door, voice trembling. "Goodbye, Micky."
"Ariana, please wait…" Micky said, reaching for her. But before he could touch her, she was gone. Micky sank to the floor, crying like a child, unable to believe that the girl he had loved for three years could end things this way.
---
When Ariana got home, she rushed to her room, locking the door behind her. She collapsed on her bed, her body shaking as tears streamed down her face. She couldn't believe she had just broken the heart of the man she loved for a contractual marriage. The guilt weighed heavy on her chest. How could she do this to Micky? How could she betray the love they had built for three years?
Her thoughts raced. George… the money… my mom… my siblings… All of it felt like a lifetime away, yet the decision was made. She buried her face in her pillow, sobbing herself to sleep, exhausted and full of dread for what was to come.
Even in her dreams, she saw Micky's tear-streaked face, heard his voice calling her name. She tried to push it away, but the image lingered, haunting her. Ariana knew she had chosen her family over her heart, and no matter how justified, the pain of this choice would follow her forever.